Dear DOLLY, I am curious if something is wrong with me, because lately I have been getting my period every second week instead of monthly. This started after I became sexually active. Is there something wrong with me or is this normal? Also I was wondering if it's possible that you can get your period when you are pregnant, because me and my boyfriend have been having unprotected sex lately and are scared that I'm pregnant - when I got my period it was really heavy, but normally isn't. Please help! Louie
Although periods can do funny things sometimes and we shouldn't get too worried if they don't come absolutely regularly every month, the things you've noticed and the fact that you've been having unprotected sex are definitely reasons for getting checked out.
A period every 2 weeks is not within the 'normal' range (3 and a half to 5 weeks is OK). Reasons for this include hormonal imbalances, infection, pregnancy or all of the above. Usually when a woman becomes pregnant her periods stop. However it can sometimes be that a small amount of bleeding still occurs which of course makes it very deceiving.
If you've had some very heavy bleeding and previously had normal periods then it is possible that there was a pregnancy that miscarried, or an infection, or both. I guess what I'm trying to say is - yes, you could be pregnant - but you might not be - and the only way to be sure is to do a pregnancy test.
Although you can do this at home I would recommend going to a doctor you trust, because if pregnancy is ruled out the doctor can still check you out for other causes of your funny periods. Your doctor can also talk to you about contraception and check ups for sexually transmitted infections.
You can see a doctor confidentially. Your body and your health are precious - so don't ignore the signs that something isn't quite right. Meanwhile, why don't you and your boyfriend get hold of some condoms and lubricant, and practice putting them on and off, so that you can have sex with some peace of mind, knowing that you are both taking care of yourselves.
